Postdoc family benefits and support

MIT School of Science and the Institute offer a range of direct services and resources to promote the health and well-being of MIT postdocs and their families.

MIT Work-Life Center

The MIT Work-Life Center offers a range of direct services and resources to promote the health and well-being of MIT community members and their families, including guidance on adult and senior care, child care services and schools. The Work-Life Center provides access to MyLife Services, free round-the-clock access to a network of experts who are available to help with life concerns.

Family Leaves

Maternity Leave

MIT grants eight weeks of sick leave to birth mothers at 100% regular pay, and are entitled to an additional four weeks of unpaid leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act. Some birth mothers take all or part of the four-week period as vacation and may also qualify for additional five days of paid parental leave.

Parental Leave

MIT will provide up to five days of paid parental leave to eligible mothers and fathers within four months after the birth of a child, adoption of a child, or placement of a foster child. This applies to postdoctoral associates working at least 50% time and who have been employed by MIT for a least one year.

Family Care

Technology Childcare Centers

MIT hosts five Technology Childcare Centers, four on the main campus and one at the Lincoln Laboratory, managed by Bright Horizons Family Solutions. Full-time and part-time infant, toddler, and preschool care are available, with a limited number of slots for graduate student families.

Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

Eligible MIT employees can set aside up to $5,000 pre-tax salary in a flex account to spend on day care, preschool, day camps, and after school care.

Backup Child Care and Adult Care Referral Program

Eligible MIT employees can sign up for Care.com BackupCare to arrange for day or night in-home care for children or another family member who needs assistance. Employees are responsible for the hourly cost of screened and trained caretakers.

On-Campus Lactation Rooms

MIT has several dedicated lactation rooms around campus intended for the use of the MIT community, and the School of Science and its departments sponsor several more for their own communities. All rooms have at minimum locking doors, good lighting and ventilation, electrical outlets, a comfortable chair, waste baskets and cleaners, and a nearby refrigerator and sink.